“the importance of this ruling must be emphasized, not only because it confirms states' obligations with respect to protection of life, but also because it shows that these obligations are not limited to violations resulting from actions or omissions imputable to state officials or occurring in public institutions. They also apply to violations committed by private individuals, operating within structures which are not managed by the state or public authorities”.
Así pues, de conformidad con la norma de diligencia debida para determinar la responsabilidad de los Estados, puede corresponder a un Estado, en virtud de los instrumentos de derechos humanos el deber afirmativo de velar por que las armas pequeñas no sean utilizadas por individuos y grupos armados para cometer violaciones de los derechos humanos.